The Wellness Fair featured 'passports' that listed organizations and resources across MIT, as well as their websites and contact information. Students earned a water bottle if they visited half of the tables at the event and earned a T-shirt if they visited all the tables. Emily Hupf '14 (left) and Noa Ghersin '14 (right) were two of the first students to fill their passports and win prizes.

Several student groups, departments and organizations were present at the MIT Wellness Fair, and the available staff and representatives were excited to interact with the students who attended. All 7 Area Directors (ADs) were in attendance and had two tables of activities for students to participate in.
From left to right: Mike Zakarian, Joshua Gonzalez, Laurel Dreher, James Reed, Becky Kjaerbye and Michelle Lessly. Missing from photo: Lauren Piontkoski.

Rumors about the presence of therapy dogs had spread before the Wellness Fair began and students were excited for the chance to spend a few minutes with the well-mannered dogs. Bria Wallace '16 (left) and Jessica Torres '16 (right) sat down to play with Penny, a three-legged rescued pit bull, owned by Dan Sawicki, an Operations Flight Commander at MIT's Air Force ROTC Detachment.

While students visited each table and collected information, there were also plenty of other opportunities to have fun — the MIT way. Whether it was a game of corn hole outside with DAPER or taking a photograph with Tim the Beaver, like Zhan Orazalin '12 (left) and Irina Zhelavskaya (right) did, there was plenty to do at the MIT Wellness Fair.

Of the nearly 20 organizations and departments represented at the MIT Wellness Fair, several featured fun giveaways or activities for students. In this photograph, Maiko Kitaoka '16 visited the MIT Police table where Sgt. Cheryl Vossmer spoke about alcohol awareness and safety.

Students take a break for the MIT Wellness Fair

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The MIT Wellness Fair, which was sponsored by the First-Year Experience (FYE), featured 18 different departments and student organizations all with the same goal: to provide support and guidance to help MIT students maintain a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. From eating healthy to getting sufficient amounts of sleep, MIT’s Wellness Fair on Thursday, Oct. 25, addressed students’ concerns while providing an upbeat, energetic and lively atmosphere.

Housemasters, Graduate Resident Tutors (GRTs), Area Directors (ADs) and the staff and faculty of the organizations represented at the fair spread word about the event; students were able to stop by Kresge Auditorium between 3:30 and 5 p.m. on the 25th to participate in the Wellness Fair’s offerings. Many students had heard about the free food that MIT Dining would be offering, the free massages that the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) sponsored and the therapy dogs that they would be able to pet and play with. However, many were surprised by the numerous additional offerings and the presence of so many different people who are available to offer their services and support.

“It was totally worth coming to, even though I found out at the last minute,” said Eric Schmidt ’16 as he waited in line to try drop by MIT Police’s table. “We came because we heard the music outside and it seemed really cool.”

“I came for the free food,” said Yen Lin Leow ‘16 “but there’s a lot here for us too. There’s so much information on sleep and food and those are two of my main concerns.”

At the fair, whenever students expressed their concerns, different groups and organizations were quick to offer their advice and insight. Bon Appétit’s executive chef, Jim Lachance, advised students on how to eat well in the house dining halls. “In the house dining halls, students can expect a variety of food offerings that they can make into their own dishes,” Lachance said. “Low-fat options, vegan, vegetarian — you can combine so many things and still stay healthy.”

Although there have been similar wellness-themed fairs in the past, this year’s was the first of its kind. “This was the first year for the MIT Wellness Fair and it was great, but next year will be even better,” said Julie Rothhaar, assistant dean for first-year experience. “It was great to see students take a break from their classes and regular routines to come together pet a dog, draw a picture, get a massage and take some time just for them.”